We have been clear that the shooting down of MH17 was totally unacceptable.

The evidence suggests that pro-Russian separatists were responsible. If this is the case, then this tragedy is a direct result of Russia destabilising Ukraine, violating its territorial integrity, and training and arming thuggish militias.

If Putin stops supporting the fighters in eastern Ukraine and allows the national authorities to restore order, this crisis can be brought to an end.

Of course, there must be proper protections for Russian-speaking minorities but the overriding need is for Russia to cease its support for violent separatists.

We must turn this moment of outrage into a moment of action. Action to find those who committed this crime and bring them to justice.

We must do what is necessary to stand up to Russia and put an end to the conflict in Ukraine before any more innocent lives are lost.

The EU has now agreed to draw up lists of additional people subject to sanctions and to do so in the next couple of days

At the same time it is looking at broader ranging sanctions, including arms embargoes, access to capital markets, financial services, and high tech goods.